It's well known that the province of Groningen boasts stunning vistas, picturesque villages built on artificial mounds, and a historic capital "that never sleeps." But there's more to Groningen, much more! And the best way to discover it all is by boat. Did you know that Groningen boasts over 850 kilometers of waterways? "From Lauwerszee to Dollard tou, from Drenthe to 't Wad…" as the first line of the Groningen folk song so aptly puts it!
Sailing through Groningen will surprise you! Not only the picturesque villages and expansive vistas, but especially the sheer number and variety of waterways. From meandering rivers and straight canals to impressive lakes and the Wadden Sea. Can't decide which route to take and have the time? Then this route is an absolute must, because there's so much more to Groningen!
STARTING POINT: Winschoten Marina
BOAT RENTAL: Blauwestad Boat Rental
PASSAGE HEIGHT: max. 2.4 meters
NUMBER OF CRUISE DAYS: one week
GUIDED CRUISE: Through the city of Groningen (duration max. 2.5 hours), the Zuidlaardermeer section to Bareveld (starts at 8:00 AM), from Bareveld through the Oosterdiep to the Veendam lock and in the Boterdiep
SELF-SERVICE: In the Blauwe Passage, the Duurswold Drainage Canal, the Slochterdiep, the Boterdiep, and the Winsumerdiep. Self-service key collection/return: at the marinas of Winschoten and Midwolda, the Groningen Motorboat Club Harbor, the Oosterhaven Watersports Center (Groningen), the bridge keepers at Kielwindeweer, the harbor master at Termunterzijl, and the tourist office and control post at Appingedam
STARTING POINT: Scheemda Marina
BOAT RENTAL: Blauwestad Boat Rental (then sail from Oldambtmeer towards Winschoten and pick up the route there)
PASSAGE HEIGHT: max 2.5 meters
NUMBER OF SAILING DAYS: 5-7
GUIDED CRUISE: In the Ter Apel Canal, Stads Canal and Oosterdiep
SELF SERVICE: Bridges and locks in the Ruiten Aa Canal (operable between 8:00 AM and 8:00 PM) and in the BL Tijdens Canal. Self-service key collection/return: at the marinas of Winschoten and Blauwestad, tourist information offices along the route, and various bridge keepers.
OVERNIGHT STAYS: Marinas/transit ports in Scheemda, Havenkwartier, Blauwestad, Winschoten, Reiderhaven Beerta, Bad Nieuweschans, mini-campsite in Vlagtwedde, Bourtange (with campsite), Ter Apel, Musselkanaal, Stadskanaal, and Veendam.
Description:
Borderland, Fortressland. That's the theme of this beautiful sailing route in the southeast of Groningen. You`ll sail across and along the border with Germany and Drenthe. A region that, especially during the Eighty Years` War, had to be guarded against the enemy. And so, impressive redoubts and fortresses were built. Plan an extra day for this route and stroll back in time in Bourtange or enjoy a relaxing spa treatment in Bad Nieuweschans. Click on the map to enlarge:
Groningen is proud of its lakes and the many hand-carved canals and ditches. To share all this beauty with you, eight multi-day sailing routes have been developed, each attractively presented in a photo-rich book. Each route also includes tips for exploring Groningen further on foot or by bike, making your stay in Groningen even more enjoyable! This sailing book is available at this marina.
All eight sailing routes are available in the RoutAbel app, which navigates you and tells you unique stories along the way. Stories about centuries-old fortified towns, the peat colonies, or the battle against the water. You`ll also receive tips on where to moor, which bridge you need to operate yourself, and where's the best terrace? The RoutAbel app is available for free download from the Apple or Google app stores.
Sailing through Groningen is a collaboration between HISWA Association, Marketing Groningen, Routebureau Groningen, AbelLeisure, and eleven marinas. It was made possible in part by a contribution from the Province of Groningen.
All eight sailing routes are available in the RoutAbel app, which navigates you and tells you unique stories along the way. Stories about centuries-old fortified towns, the peat colonies, or the battle against the water. You`ll also receive tips on where to moor, which bridge you need to operate yourself, and where's the best terrace? The RoutAbel app is available for free download from the Apple or Google app stores.
Sailing through Groningen is a collaboration between HISWA Association, Marketing Groningen, Routebureau Groningen, AbelLeisure, and eleven marinas. It was made possible in part by a contribution from the Province of Groningen.
Google Street View is a Google service that allows you to virtually walk through the marina. As a visitor, you can take a look inside beforehand. We commissioned a virtual tour from trusted Google... read more »
The Pieter Smit Bridge is one of the most striking landmarks in the Oldambt region. This nearly 800-meter-long bicycle and pedestrian bridge connects Winschoten directly with Lake Oldambt and the... read more »
